To my computer running Windows XP I have recently added a DVD burner in addition to the CD burner already installed. The other day I bought a multi-format CD, being a music CD that also includes software and a video. Using my work PC, Windows Explorer displays the files and directory structure on the CD, but does not display any audio tracks. On the other hand, Windows Explorer on my home PC can only read the audio tracks, and no other information. How can I view the video?

If the CD you have is the same as most multi-format CDs, the video clip will be treated as a normal file (e.g. AVI, MPEG) on the CD. So, when you are on your work computer and are able to view the file and directory structure you should be able to find and play the video file. Also, when you have multi-format CD with audio and data, generally the audio tracks are not visible when viewing the CD through Windows Explorer (unlikely a pure audio CD, where the track data files are visible when looking at the CD). Instead, you will need to open Windows Media Player (or a similar application) to play the CD. So, in all respects, it seems that your work computer can read all the data on the CD.

However, the question remains why your home computer is unable to read the data files on the CD. My initial thoughts are the CD drive in your computer may be too old to properly read multi-format CDs. However, since you recently installed a DVD burner this drive should definitely be able to read these types of CDs (I assume you have tried reading the CD in both your CD burner and DVD burner drives). It is unlikely this problem is hardware related, which has me wondering if there is a software issue. Unfortunately, I am unsure of what could be the cause of such an issue. If there are any readers with suggestions, please write in!